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Serenity Now: 103 Ways to De-Stress Your Life

by Robyn Tellefsen

No matter at what stage you are in life, stress is inevitable. But if you're constantly feeling frazzled or stressed, it may be time to evaluate your daily habits. Over time, chronic stress can have a negative impact on your physical and emotional health. Read these tips to learn more about reducing your stress level.

Health, Fitness, and Emotional Wellness

1. Do cardio. According to the American College of Medicine guidelines, healthy adults under the age of 65 should do moderately intense cardio five days a week.

20. Slow down. Take time out for yourself. The work will still be there when you get back.

21. Stop smoking. Smoking can have an adverse effect on your health.

22. Even happy events can be stressful. Holidays can be nerve-racking. Reduce anxiety by planning for the holiday weeks in advance.

23. Join a support group. There's no shame in asking for extra help.

24. Work to resolve conflicts with other people. Learn how to communicate more clearly with people whose personality traits differ from yours.
Build Your Relationship

25. Go on a date. "Sharing new experiences together can give you both an adrenaline rush, which in turn can raise your dopamine levels," says Stephanie Auteri, sex columnist at The Frisky.comand assistant editor at YourTango.com.

26. Share a new experience. "It can be great for couples to try new things," says Auteri. Some ideas: Plan a trip together, Take dance lessons, or Visit an amusement park.

36. Create your own space. "Have a space that can ease you through the tough times and help you make the most of the good ones," says Christine Eisner, author of Comfort Living: A Back-to-Basics Guide to a More Balanced Lifestyle.

37. Put family and friends close. "Download some photos of family, friends, and favorite places," says Eisner. Such mementos are perfect for instant, anywhere pick-me-ups.

38. Grab a throw pillow. "There's nothing like being able to settle into a comfy spot when you need a soft place to land after a rough day," says Eisner.

39. Get organized. "Try to keep your belongings in the same place to reduce clutter," says Eisner.

40. Create a to-do list. It can help you stay on track with your daily goals.

45. Start an art project. Art can be a great tool for stress reduction.

46. Take up a hobby. Having a hobby can help improve your physical and emotional health.

47. Play cards or board games. These activities can help reduce stress by shifting attention away from what's bugging you.
Nod Off

48. Use the bedroom for sleep. Try to avoid reading or doing crossword puzzles in bed.

49. Establish a regular sleep schedule. Sleep is essential for a person's health and wellbeing, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

50. Avoid naps, particularly in the later afternoon or evening. Naps can train your body into thinking it's time for bed.

51. Create a sleep environment that is dark, cool, and comfortable. The more cave-like, the better!

52. Stay away from bright lights. Bright lights help your body feel more adjusted and awake, no matter what time it may be.

53. Soak in a hot bath. Taking a hot bath can reduce muscle spasms, and relieve tension in the body.

54. Avoid activities that arouse the brain. Avoid the television or computer to help your body fall asleep naturally.

Try a New Sport

56. Go mountain climbing. "Connect with the outdoors," says Davidson.

57. Unplug, and go hiking. Davidson recommends leaving the cell phone in the car while you exercise.

58. Join a sport team. Davidson recommends joining a team that can help you connect with others and stay in shape.

59. Go long-board surfing. "It's pretty relaxing when you ride a wave," says Jonathan Shih, a junior at University of Berkeley. "It's fun to try out new tricks with my friends." Take Control of Your Finances

60. Create a spending plan for each semester. "When you know whatyou'respending, you'll feel more in control," says Shay Olivarria, author of 10 Things College Students NeedtoKnow About Money.

61. Start an emergency fund. "Keep putting money away until you have $500 in a money market account," says Olivarria.

69. Enjoy a facial. "Facials are a great way to relax and help the body get rid of toxins," says Cecilia Wong, owner of the New York-based Soie Aroma Spa. "When doing these treatments, I find that lavender, rose oil, and sandalwood have especially effective calming powers."

71. Give yourself the "spa" treatment. "A DIY sugar scrub can be made using olive oil, brown sugar, and a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint or lavender," says Julia Martin, spa owner at Nite Spa, Venice Beach, Calif.

79. Tea for two. "A 'tea' date with a friend can help ease the load off school," says Martin.

The Power of Music

80. Crank up the tunes. "If you find listening to music helps you handle stress, do it on a regular basis," says Pascucci.

81. Make a playlist of relaxing music. "Depending upon your mood, you can alter the list," says Eisner.

82. Make some music of your own. "Creatingmusicis a wonderful way to deal with the pent-up energy and frustration that might be the cause of stress," says David Marcus, music therapist at Nordoff-Robbins Center forMusicTherapyat New York University. "Using instruments such as drums and cymbals, or using the voice to sing, chant, or shout can help release stressful energy that is otherwise blocked."

83. Addressing your issues. "Musiccan be used to address the underlying issues that might be the cause of ongoing or chronic stress, " says Marcus.

99. Get your dairy. Single servings of dairy like low-fat string cheese or cottage cheese, can provide a balanced diet.

100. Eat some broccoli. Broccoli is a folic acid food, which can help reduce blood pressure and calm your nerves.

101. Think in color. Kati Mora, RD recommends "coloring" your plate with three foods of a different shade. "By choosing a variety of colors at each meal you will be providing your body with a wider variety of nutrients it needs," says Mora.

102. Drink your water. "It's easy to mistake thirst for hunger and grab a high calorie snack instead of getting a drink," says Mora. "Stay on top of your healthy by getting your daily H20."

103. Treat Yourself. Flavonoids in cocoa can help relax your body's blood vessels, reducing blood pressure, says a study at The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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